Conservative Gary Humble nearly defeated State Senator Jack Johnson (TN-27) in 2022 in a hotly contested Republican primary that sent political shockwaves through the state. The rematch is now set, to no great surprise, with Humble’s announcement on Friday that he’s gearing up for the August 2026 GOP Primary. The 27th Senate district encompasses Williamson County in Middle Tennessee. 

Johnson was elected to the State Senate in 2006, after Jim Bryson left the seat to run for Governor. He is currently the Tennessee State Senate Majority Leader and is widely considered by many to be the heir apparent to become the Lt Governor when the current Lt Governor Randy McNally steps aside. State Senator Paul Bailey also reportedly has an interest in the position that members of the state Senate elect.

In 2022 Johnson prevailed in a bitterly contested primary challenge from Humble with a narrow 51.6% to 48.4% margin.  The political battle did not end there and it has been assumed by most that a rematch would occur in 2026.  It will.

Humble didn’t pull any punches in the 2022 contest, and he is not likely to be less aggressive in the rematch. The race could have implications in the GOP primary race for Governor as Senator Marsha Blackburn, a close ally of Johnson and a Williamson County resident, will be on the Primary ballot at the same time.

Humble is expected to formally announce his candidacy on September 3.

Steve Gill is Publisher of TriStar Daily.